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Saturn

Saturn Pricing & Reviews

Saturn Corp. was founded by General Motors (GM) in 1985 as a “different kind of car company.” Operating more independently than other GM brands, Saturn first sold the SC and SL car models in 1990. Noted for its philosophy of “no haggle” pricing, Saturn was one of the highest-ranking brands in J.D. Power’s Customer Service Index (CSI) and Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Studies during the 1990s. Near the end of 2010, GM discontinued Saturn, partly due to low sales. Saturn’s last lineup featured models derived from GM’s European Opel division.

Critical Knowledge:Provides hint of Saturn future designExtended-range electric concept vehicleSleek, sporty compact designCollaborative design effort with GM's European Opel brandUp to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free driving rangeGM's E-Flex systemCameras replace side-view mirrorsButterfly-style rear tailgate FlexDoorsFlexLoad underfloor luggage compartmentIntroductionThe Saturn electric-drive Flextreme concept, which debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, is a collaborative effort between Saturn and GM's European Opel brand that showcases both brands' future design direction. The plug-in concept promises fewer trips to the gas station while producing fewer vehicle emissions and an electric-only driving range of 34 miles. The Saturn-Opel partnership has already resulted in several U.S. and European production models like the Saturn Aura, Sky, Vue and Astra, and the Opel GT, Antara and Astra. The Flextreme concept debuted first as an Opel at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Critical Knowledge:Expected to be first regular production plug-in hybrid from an original equipment auto manufacturerProvides 100-percent fuel economy improvement over Vue 2 ModeBased on modified 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technologyHybrid lithium-ion battery recharges from household outlet in under five hoursBattery replenishment via electric motors and regenerative brake systemsAt least 10 miles of all-electric range at slow to moderate speedsPotential to be world's most fuel-efficient production vehicle (in many driving situations)

Critical Knowledge:New addition to the Vue lineupV-6 engine with two electric motorsClaimed 50-percent increase in fuel economyAvailable with front-wheel drive (FWD) only3500-pound towing capacity0-60 mph in 7.3 secondsSales to begin in fourth quarter 2008IntroductionThe Vue has been Saturn's entry in the compact SUV segment since 2002. Saturn added a Green Line hybrid for the 2007 model year. That model used an electric motor/generator coupled with GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine for a total output of 170 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. The result was a 20-percent increase in fuel economy versus the 2.4-liter engine without the hybrid system. The Vue was redesigned for the 2008 model year, losing the traditional Saturn plastic body panels in the process. A Saturn Vue Green Line returned to the lineup with the same 2.4-liter engine and motor/generator. For 2009, Saturn will add a second hybrid to the Vue lineup, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.